Robert A Foster, Jr
DMD/PC
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
770-971-5119
1230 Johnson Ferry Place
Suite C-10
Marietta, GA 30068
Types of Digital Dental X-rays
Digital x-rays use a sensor instead of film to capture an image. The
Information gathered is the same as any other x-ray, but the amount
of radiation is considerably less and because it is digitally acquired, it
can be manipulated in size allowing magnification for closer viewing.
Bite-wing x-rays (cavity detecting x-rays) can detect decay in
between the teeth and changes in the bone that supports
the teeth.
A periapical x-ray shows several teeth including the crown of the
tooth and all of the roots and bones of the teeth. This x-ray shows
Abscesses, periodontal conditions, tumors, and even bone patterns
of some systemic diseases (diseases of the entire body).
A complete mouth series is a combination of the bite-wing x-rays
and the periapical films and consists of 18 to 21 images.
A panoramic x-ray shows all the upper and lower teeth,
large portion of the jaws, and other structures on one large image.
This film can detect cysts, impacted teeth, retained root
fragments, fracture and other conditions of the jaw. This x-ray is
not as good as the bite wing or periapical x-rays at detecting
decay or periodontal conditions.
At any one time, either or all of these tools may be required for
diagnostic reasons as each of them serve a different purpose.
